Dead Sea

Despite its name, the Dead Sea is actually more of a lake that is located between Jordan, Israel, the West Bank and Palestine. Its coastal areas mark the lowest point on the entire earth at a remarkable 430 metres below sea level. It is surrounded by the spectacular arid landscape of the Negev Desert and regularly appears in the Bible. It gets its name from the high amounts of salt that it contains, meaning that it is impossible for fish to live within its waters. These high saline levels also mean that it has always been famous for its healing properties, which has made it a popular tourist destination since ancient times.

Despite its name, the Dead Sea is actually more of a lake that is located between Jordan, Israel, the West Bank and Palestine. Its coastal areas mark the lowest point on the entire earth at a remarkable 430 metres below sea level. It is surrounded by the spectacular arid landscape of the Negev Desert and regularly appears in the Bible. It gets its name from the high amounts of salt that it contains, meaning that it is impossible for fish to live within its waters. These high saline levels also mean that it has always been famous for its healing properties, which has made it a popular tourist destination since ancient times.

Located in an arid desert, it was once surrounded by a fertile plain where the Jordan River passed through. This meant that there has been civilization there since at least the Bronze Age. It is the traditional location of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which God supposedly destroyed in the book of Genesis. It was owned by the Ptolemies following the defeat of Alexander the Great, where Cleopatra built cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories. Herod the Great built several fortresses in the area, including Massada, which still stands to this day. The area also played host the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found in a cave and detail different versions of Jesus’ life. Today the Dead Sea and the Negev Desert are popular tourist destinations thanks to their fascinating history and spectacular nature.

The most popular destination is Tel-Aviv, which more than earns its nickname ‘The City that Never Sleeps’. There you will find a host of clubs and pubs, ensuring plenty of places to dine or have a pleasant evening out. Jerusalem used to be considered quiet, due to its religious importance and that is certainly true of the Old City, however, as soon as you move into the more modern parts of town, you will find an incredible range of excellent night-time options. Finally, the harbour town of Eilat is an excellent place for a seaside party and it becomes especially busy during the summer months, as the young and old descend on it for fun in the sun.

No trip to the Dead Sea would be complete without spending a significant time enjoying the mineral-rich, healing waters of the Dead Sea itself. There are also a large number of spas that use its saline rich waters to provide relaxing and healing treatments. Active holidaymakers should be sure to visit the UNESCO rated Masada National Park, which contains the Masada Fort, built by King Herod and offer spectacular views over the surrounding area. While the Qumran Cave complex is a fascinating place that was the location of the famous Dead Sea scrolls that gave us a new perspective on the Bible.

The region is not especially renowned for the quality of its nightlife, as it does not have large city centres, with high concentrations of clubs and pubs. There will be a smattering of pubs and clubs in the resorts that are dotted along its shores and many romantic restaurants offering stunning views of the sea and Negev Desert area. Visitors looking for something wilder and crazier should probably look at taking a trip to Jerusalem, which is around 20 kilometres away.

Anyone visiting the Dead Sea will be keen to purchase some of the many beauty products that are produced in the area. These lotions, rubs and other things are renowned for the skin healing qualities and are an absolute must for anyone visiting the area. They can be found throughout the region, although major centres like the Sky-Blue Mall in Ein Bokek are excellent places to purchase large amounts of them. Jerusalem is also only around 20 kilometres away, offering the chance to go shopping for fashion items and other things.